Kelsea Ballerini Honors Dolly Parton With Joyful Performance of “Here You Come Again”

Kelsea Ballerini paid a heartfelt tribute to one of her lifelong musical heroes with a joyful performance of Dolly Parton’s 1977 hit “Here You Come Again,” bringing a little sparkle, nostalgia and love to a star-studded celebration of the country music legend.

The East Tennessee native took the stage on October 21 for CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton, a two-hour television special honoring Parton’s extraordinary career and lasting influence. For Ballerini, the performance was especially meaningful, offering a chance to celebrate the artist whose music and larger-than-life personality had inspired her since childhood.

A Childhood Idol Takes Center Stage

Ballerini grew up listening to Parton’s songs and visiting Dollywood, developing a deep admiration for the singer long before becoming a country star herself. She has described Parton as something like a “fair godmother” — a reassuring presence whose influence could be felt even from afar.

That connection made the tribute more than a performance. Ballerini approached the song with the warmth and enthusiasm of a longtime fan, imagining Parton watching over the celebration and sharing in the joy of the evening.

For the occasion, Ballerini wore a shimmering silver gown embellished with rhinestones, paired with a dazzling fringe shawl that caught the light as she moved across the stage.

Rather than keeping the moment entirely to herself, she encouraged the audience to sing along, turning the performance into a shared celebration. Her delivery captured the upbeat, feel-good spirit of “Here You Come Again,” bringing an uplifting moment to an evening filled with tributes to Parton.

As the song ended, Ballerini offered a simple message that captured the affection behind her performance.

“We love you, Miss Dolly,” she said.

Why Dolly Parton’s Legacy Means So Much to Kelsea Ballerini

The visuals surrounding Ballerini’s performance reflected the qualities she associates with Parton. Images of love, magic and butterflies filled the stage and screen, creating a setting that celebrated the warmth, imagination and distinctive personality of the country icon.

But Ballerini’s admiration extends far beyond Parton’s music. She sees the singer as a trailblazer who challenged expectations while remaining unapologetically feminine and embracing the sparkle that has become part of her signature style.

“I think Dolly Parton is one of the most iconic and legendary artists and women, but I think she was a trailblazer before we really understood that that can mean more than one thing. You can be a trailblazer and be sparkly too. And I know for me that means a lot,” Ballerini said.

Her remarks highlighted an important part of Parton’s influence: the way she has demonstrated that strength, ambition and individuality do not require sacrificing personal style or femininity.

For Ballerini, that example has helped make Parton not only an iconic musician, but also a powerful role model for women navigating the entertainment industry.

A Star-Studded Celebration of Dolly Parton

CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton brought together performers from across generations and musical genres to recognize Parton’s remarkable contributions to entertainment.

The lineup featured Ashley McBryde, Béla Fleck, Brad Paisley, Carly Pearce, Carrie Underwood, Darius Rucker, Ella Langley, Kristen Bell, Kristin Chenoweth, Lady A, Lainey Wilson, Little Big Town, Lukas Nelson, Molly Tuttle, Reba McEntire, Ricky Skaggs, Sierra Hull, Vince Gill and Zac Brown. Amy Grant and Kimberly Williams-Paisley also appeared as special guests.

The evening included tributes from several of Parton’s friends and longtime connections in the entertainment industry, including Bono, Carol Burnett, Goldie Hawn, Julia Roberts and Oprah Winfrey.

Broadcast live from Belmont University on ABC and Disney+ in the United States and internationally, the two-hour special was filmed before a live audience at the university’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts in Nashville. It is also available to stream on Hulu.

Beyond celebrating Parton’s career, the event supported a cause close to her heart. The CMA and Belmont University pledged to donate a portion of the special’s proceeds to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. The contribution resulted in a combined $1 million donation to support the program’s mission of putting books into the hands of children.

Through her performance of “Here You Come Again,” Ballerini brought her admiration for Parton to the stage in a way that was both personal and joyful. Her tribute celebrated not only a beloved song, but also the lasting inspiration of a woman who has shown generations of artists that it is possible to break barriers while staying true to yourself.